Map of confirmed tornadoes across Oklahoma and southern Kansas on May 3
From May 2 to 8, 1999, a large tornado outbreak took place across much of the Central and parts of the Eastern United States, as well as southern Canada. During this week-long event, 152 tornadoes touched down in these areas. The most dramatic events unfolded during the afternoon of May 3 through the early morning hours of May 4 when more than half of these storms occurred. Oklahoma experienced its largest tornado outbreak on record, with 70 confirmed. The most notable of these was the F5Bridge Creek–Moore tornado which devastated Oklahoma City and suburban communities. The tornado killed 36 people and injured 583 others; losses amounted to $1 billion, making it the first billion-dollar tornado in history.[nb 1][1] Overall, 50 people lost their lives during the outbreak and damage amounted to $1.4 billion.[2]
On May 2, a strong area of low pressure moved out of the Rocky Mountains and into the High Plains, producing scattered severe weather and ten tornadoes in Nebraska.[3] The following day, atmospheric conditions across Oklahoma became significantly more favorable for an outbreak of severe weather. Wind profiles across the region strongly favored tornadic activity, with the Storm Prediction Center stating, "it became more obvious something major was looming" by the afternoon hours.[4] Numerous supercell thunderstorms developed across the state as well as bordering areas in Kansas and Texas. Over the following 48 hours, May 3–4, 116 tornadoes touched down across the Central United States. Following the extensive outbreak, activity became increasingly scattered from May 5 to 8, with 26 tornadoes touching down across the Eastern United States and Quebec.[4][5]
Confirmed tornadoes
Daily statistics
Date
Total
F0
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
Deaths
Injuries
May 2
10
3
5
2
0
0
0
0
0
May 3
73
38
18
7
6
3
1
46
744
May 4
43
20
12
7
4
0
0
1
36
May 5
15
7
4
3
0
1
0
3
27
May 6
6
2
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
May 7
4
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
May 8
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
6
Total
152
73
44
20
10
4
1
50
816
Confirmed tornadoes during the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak[nb 2][nb 3]
Tornado touched down to the east of Apache and moved north. As it neared Anadarko, it largely destroyed one home, with the roof removed and most walls collapsed. Three people were injured in the home.[12][13]
Tornado touched down near the Caddo–Grady County border and quickly intensified. Two homes were largely destroyed, with a few interior walls standing, along U.S. Route 62 to the northwest of Chickasha. Several wooden high-tension power lines were downed. Nine people were injured to the south of Verden.[12][13]
Tornado touched down to the northwest of downtown Chickasha and tracked into the Chickasha Municipal Airport. There, two hangar buildings and several aircraft were destroyed. A piece of an aircraft wing was found 45 mi (72 km) away in southwest Oklahoma City. Nearby, approximately 20 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed; four people were injured. A large building was also destroyed along U.S. Route 81 before the tornado dissipated.[12][13]
36 deaths – See article on this tornado – Long-lived and exceptionally violent tornado moved through suburban areas of Oklahoma City.[12][13] A mobile Doppler weather Radar estimated wind speeds within the tornado between 281 and 321 mph (452 and 517 km/h), the highest ever observed.[15] A total of 8,132 homes, 1,041 apartments, 260 businesses, 11 public buildings, and 7 churches were damaged or destroyed.[16] Total losses from the tornado reached $1 billion, making it the costliest such storm on record at the time. In addition to the 36 fatalities directly related to the tornado, five people died of indirect causes, such as a heart attack, and 583 others were injured.[13]
Most significant damage occurred south of Fort Cobb where a barn and house garage were destroyed. A stock trailer was also thrown 100 yd (91 m). Sporadic tree damage took place elsewhere along the track.[12][14]
Satellite tornado to the F5 Bridge Creek–Moore storm touched down near I-240. A few homes sustained minor roof damage and fences were blown down.[12][13]
Tornado tracked into Mayfield, causing damage to a business. Just north of the town, a home sustained minor damage while an adjacent outbuilding had its roof blown off. A nearby farmstead sustained significant damage with two metal grain bins blown over, one of which was thrown into a barn. Near the end of the tornado's track, a mobile home was tossed 50 ft (15 m) and destroyed while another was damaged.[18]
Tornado touched down west of Minco and tracked northeast. One home had most of its roof blown off and was shifted slightly off its foundation. Near the end of the storm's path, tree and road sign damage occurred.[12][14]
Tornado formed southwest of Choctaw and tracked directly into the downtown area. The most significant damage occurred in southwestern parts of town where two homes were mostly destroyed. In the center of Choctaw, several businesses were destroyed and a nursing home was damaged. Four people sustained injuries in Choctaw. After passing through the town, the storm moved over rural areas before dissipating. Overall, 22 homes and businesses were destroyed and 153 more were damaged; damage amounted to $3.2 million.[12][13]
Brief tornado tore the roof off a home. Damage was indicative of F2 intensity, though sub-par construction of the home warranted a low classification.[12][14]
6 deaths – Tornado touched down north of Wellington, downing several power poles in the area, and tracked north-northeast. Along its path, two mobile homes, three sheds, and a pole barn were destroyed while nine other buildings sustained damage. Four people were injured in Sumner County, three of which occurred when a mobile home was destroyed. About 20 minutes after touching down, the tornado crossed into Sedgwick County about 1 mi (1.6 km) west of Peck. At 0135 UTC, the now violent tornado struck a mobile home park in Haysville, destroying much of the subdivision and killing three people. Continuing into the city's central business district, the tornado caused further damage and killed a fourth person. Throughout Haysville, 186 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Continuing into South Wichita, the tornado leveled the Lakeshore and Pacesetter mobile home parks, killing two residents. The tornado maintained a general northeast track before dissipating in the College Hill District of Northeast Wichita around 0155 UTC. Throughout Sedgwick County, 1,109 buildings were destroyed and 7,371 buildings were damaged, 2,456 severely. A total of 6 people were killed while 150 others were injured and losses amounted to $145 million.[18]
Tornado touched down in extreme northeastern Canadian County and briefly moved through Blaine County. Damage from the storm was confined to Kingfisher County where several mobile homes and outbuildings had their roof torn off. Extensive tree damage also occurred.[12][21]
Damage was mainly limited to trees; however, a barn was destroyed and two mobile homes sustained significant damage. Additionally, a cow was killed.[12][14]
Tornado formed just north of Etowah and tracked north-northeast, causing some tree damage before moving into Pottawatomie County. After crossing the county line, the storm struck the community of Pink, causing significant damage to the local Baptist church and an adjoining metal gymnasium. The tornado then moved into southwestern Bethel Acres before dissipating.[12][23]
Tornado formed well to the south-southeast of Omega and tracked northeast. Along the first 2.5 mi (4.0 km) of the track, a farmstead sustained significant damage and extensive tree damage occurred. As it passed 5 mi (8.0 km) west of Kingfisher, it reached F3 intensity, severely damaging a well-built brick home. Though anchored into the foundation, half of the walls collapsed or blew away and the roof was gone. Elsewhere along the path, seven mobile homes and numerous outbuildings were destroyed. Two people were injured in relation to this storm.[12][21]
Tornado moved along a zig-zag path toward the north. About 4 mi (6.4 km) west of Piedmont, a barn, mobile home, and garage were destroyed. Debris from the mobile home was scattered up to 2 mi (3.2 km) away. Elsewhere along the track, many trees and power lines were downed.[12][14]
1 death – Tornado touched down over rural areas of Pottawatomie County and tracked toward Shawnee. In the Clarks Heights addition, several buildings sustained minor damage. F2-type damage occurred in the West Gate neighborhood, where three homes had their roof completely removed. Further along the track several mobile homes were destroyed, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries. The storm later dissipated several miles east of McLoud.[12][23]
1 death – Tornado formed to the south-southwest of Dover and tracked directly into the town. Reaching a maximum width of 0.5 mi (0.80 km), the F4 tornado caused immense damage across northern parts of Dover. A steel-reinforced concrete building only had a few walls remaining, mobile homes were obliterated with their frames wrapped around tree trunks, and large vehicles were torn apart. Some trees in town were debarked. One person was killed in a large frame home that collapsed. About 34 homes were damaged or destroyed in the town, roughly one-third of the structures in Dover, and six people were injured. Damage outside the town was limited to farm buildings, telephone poles, and trees.[12][21]
Tornado touched down near where the 0205 UTC F2 event dissipated. Shortly after forming, the tornado destroyed an outbuilding before moving into the Country Meadow housing addition in far north Shawnee. Several homes in the area were damaged, two of which lost their roof. Tracking northeast, the storm moved into Lincoln County. Roughly 2 mi (3.2 km)south-southwest of Meeker, a double-wide mobile home was destroyed, a fifth-wheel camper was tossed, and significant tree damage occurred. Minor damage continued elsewhere along the track as the tornado moved through southeastern Meeker.[12][23]
This storm existed simultaneously with the 0210 UTC F4 tornado. Forming northeast of Dover, this storm remained over mostly open terrain. Damage was limited to a few outbuildings, farm equipment, telephone poles, and trees.[12][21]
Tornado touched down just outside Hennessey and tracked east-southeast. The storm quickly intensified, attaining high-end F2 strength shortly after forming, and struck a farm. A farmhouse and abandoned home sustained significant damage and a few outbuildings were destroyed. Heavy farm equipment was tossed several hundred yards and major tree damage occurred.[12][24]
Tornado touched down just outside El Reno and tracked generally northeast. Shortly after forming, two mobile homes were destroyed and three homes were damaged. Roughly 2.5 mi (4.0 km) into the track, the top of a 500 ft (150 m) tall transmission tower was blown off. The most intense damage occurred near the end of the storm's path where a 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) oil storage tank was moved 0.5 mi (0.80 km), with it being airborne for a substantial portion of this distance. Additionally, debarking of trees took place.[12][26]
Tornado remained over mostly rural areas; however, two residences experienced significant damage. An abandoned home near Marshall was completely destroyed. After entering Garfield County, the storm struck a farmstead and destroyed three grain bins, one of which was tossed 0.5 mi (0.80 km). A pole barn was also destroyed with debris strewn up to 150 yd (140 m) away. Extensive tree damage occurred as well, as large trees, "with trunk diameters the size of a small car," were uprooted and tossed 200 yd (180 m).[12][24]
This tornado tracked along an almost identical path to the 0225 UTC F4 Muhall event. Survey teams were unable to differentiate damage between the two tornadoes for the most part; however, the destruction of 25 homes and damage of 30 others in Crescent can be at least partially attributed to this event.[12][26]
Similar to the previous storm, this tornado formed close to the damage path left by the 0225 UTC F4 Muhall event. Significant damage of a brick home, with its roof torn off and collapse of an exterior wall, was attributed to this tornado. Extensive tree damage also occurred.[12][26]
In Creek County, 20 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed, while over 150 homes sustained minor to major damage as well as 25 businesses. In Tulsa, there was damage to a church, library, fire station, elementary school, four industrial buildings and 70 homes. Damage amounted to $8.5 million.[28]
Tornado touched down near Highway 51 and tracked northeast. A house trailer was damaged and trees/power lines were downed near the touchdown point. North of Hulbert, the tornado destroyed several sheds, damaged a mobile home, and uprooted numerous trees. Several barns also lost their roof.[28]
A slow-moving tornado tracked along an intermittent path for over an hour north of Eldorado. Two barns lost their roof and several outbuildings were damaged. Eleven power poles and many trees were also snapped or downed.[19]
Tornado remained over mostly open terrain or forested areas; however, some structural damage took place as it passed near Panola. Numerous trees and power lines were downed throughout its track.[28]
Nine mobile homes and a frame house were destroyed in Red River County. Seven people were also injured.[30] Numerous trees were downed, including a pecan orchard, in McCurtain County, Oklahoma.[31]
Tornado touched down over a rural area of eastern Oklahoma and tracked eastward into Arkansas. In Adair county, a hardwood forest was mostly leveled by the tornado.[28] The tornado then moved into the Ozark National Forest within Crawford County, Arkansas, downing numerous trees. Impact to structures began near the communities of Hogeye and Strickland. There, two barns were destroyed and many homes sustained roof damage. Similar damage took place near the Cove Creek community where a garage was destroyed and a home lost its roof. The town's church was also shifted off its foundation.[32]
Short-lived but strong tornado touched down just north of Highway 82 and moved along an intermittent path. A modular home was completely destroyed, with debris scattered up to 1 mi (1.6 km) away and one person was injured.[33]
Tornado struck a subdivision of Buhler, destroying 3 homes and damaging 34 others. Tracking northeast along an intermittent path along Highway 61, the storm moved into McPherson County. Significant damage occurred a few miles east of Inman where a cattleshed and irrigation system were destroyed.[18]
1 death – The longest tracked tornado of the outbreak first touched down in Franklin County, Texas, where damage was confined to trees. Moving into Titus County, the tornado destroyed seven homes, two of which were swept off their foundation, and killed one person. Lesser damage occurred in Red River County where a few outbuildings were impacted. The worst damage took place as the tornado moved into Bowie County and into downtown DeKalb.[30] Much of the town was affected, with 170 buildings being damaged or destroyed along with the local high school.[34] Despite the severity of damage, only 22 people due in part to tornado sirens being sounded 15 minutes in advance of the storm. The town was declared a federal disaster area and losses amounted to $125 million.[30] In Arkansas, the tornado remained primarily over forested areas, downing many trees.[35] Overall, the tornado remained on the ground for just shy of two hours along a 71.5 mi (115.1 km) path.[30][35]
Tornado damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses in Kilgore before moving into rural areas. Overall damage amounted to $6 million. This tornado struck Kilgore three minutes before another tornado of similar intensity hit the town.[30]
Tornado occurred simultaneously with the 2003 UTC event. Major damage occurred for a second time in Kilgore, with the Stoneridge Apartment complex losing portions of its roof, ultimately resulting in it being condemned. Two people were injured by the storm and losses amounted to $19 million. The tornado continued east-northeast into Harrison County where was downed many trees before dissipating.[30]
Tornado touched down near the Marion Reservoir and tracked northeast. The storm passed by Lincolnville, causing minor tree damage, before causing extensive damage to a home near Lost Springs.[18] Moving into Morris County, one home was damaged along with its garage and barn.[36]
Tornado touched down in Tennessee Colony, destroying four homes and damaging three others. A prison barracks was also damaged, resulting in four injuries.[37]
3 deaths – Violent tornado struck the town of Linden, roughly 70 mi (110 km) southwest of Nashville. Many structures were damaged or destroyed in the small town of 1,300. Two people were killed when the home they were sheltering in was lifted off its foundation and thrown into a nearby wooded area. A third person was killed after she and her father were sucked out of their home; the father was found unharmed, however. Six people were injured throughout the town and damage amounted to $295,000.[43]
Brief but strong tornado severely damaged an apartment complex, condemning three buildings and leaving 100 people homeless. A post office and school also sustained roof damage. A total of 17 people sustained minor injuries and damage amounted to $1 million.[43]
A short-lived tornado touched down in Asheville, North Carolina, damaging homes and a school; one garage was destroyed and a few condos were condemned due to damage from fallen trees. Roughly 500 trees were downed by the tornado. In all, losses were estimated at $250,000.[47]
A strong tornado touched down near the town of Jake in Carroll County and tracked northeast through Interstate 20, crossing into Haralson County. The tornado then moved through Bremen where it caused significant damage, warranting a rating of F2 before dissipating near the Maple Creek golf course. Throughout its 15-minute track, the tornado traveled 10 mi (16 km), injuring three people and leaving $900,000 of damage in its wake. In Carroll County, there was extensive property damage and hundreds of trees were snapped. Similar damage took place in Haralson County where 35 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed.[46]
A brief tornado struck the Canadian city of Hull, injuring six people.[5][51] The twister hit the city centre and swept through an industrial district. Some buildings were pulled off their foundations and trucks were moved by the force of the wind funnel. It knocked down part of a wall at a shopping centre and shattered a large window at a fast food restaurant. Throughout the city, roughly 10,000 of the 65,000 residents lost power. According to the local police, losses were estimated at C$2 million ($1.3 million USD).[52]
^All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.
^The official maximum width of the F4 Mulhall tornado was 1 mi (1.6 km) according to the National Weather Service Office in Norman, Oklahoma;[14] however, Doppler on Wheels measurements of the tornado indicated a windfield approximately 4.3 mi (6.9 km) in diameter, which would make it the largest tornado on record. This value remains unofficial, though.[25]
